Male Breast Cancer

Many people are not aware that men can get breast cancer. Men have breast tissue around the nipple area and therefore can develop breast cancer although it is rare. Less than 1% of all breast cancers in the UK are diagnosed in men. There are about 400 cases per year and the commonest age group is between 60 and 70.

Some of the risk factors for male breast cancer are similar to those for female breast cancer.  

These include:

• Increasing age, previous exposure to multiple x-rays and having a history of receiving radiotherapy to the chest area. 
• Hereditary breast cancer also occurs in men with genetic mutations such as an abnormal BRCA (especially BRCA 2) gene , or abnormal PALB2 gene. These carry a significantly increased risk of male breast cancer.
• Abnormal  hormone levels – especially where the balance between androgens  (male hormones) and oestrogens (female hormones) is altered can also increase the risk of male breast cancer. In conditions where oestrogen levels are higher than usual the risk of male breast cancer is elevated, This can occur with obesity when fat cells convert androgens to oestrogens and the raised oestrogen levels can increase the risk of breast cancer and with any liver cirrhosis.
• In men with certain conditions affecting the testicle the male hormone levels can be reduced and the risk of breast cancer increased. 
• This also occurs in men with Klinefelter’s Syndrome. This is a genetic condition where men are born with an extra X chromosome. These men have higher oestrogen levels and lower androgen levels and a higher risk of developing breast cancer.
  

Men should be educated and aware that breast cancer can occur and those at higher risk, as discussed above, should know about early changes in the breast which might indicate cancer.